47 named suspects in Mataram riots

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: At least 47 people have been declared suspects in the four days of sectarian riots here recently, local police spokesman Capt. Agus Sutisna said on Saturday.

Police said the suspects were among 327 arrested for their involvement in the looting, arson and vandalism that marked the unrest, Agus said.

"The dossiers of 47 suspects were submitted to the local prosecutor's office today," Sutisna was quoted by Antara as saying.

He added that some detainees were released due to a lack of evidence.

"The suspects were all caught in the act of arson, looting or vandalism, targeting houses and shops in Ampenan and other locations in West Lombok," he said.

During the rampage that ended on Jan. 17, at least 11 churches and about 20 houses were either burned down or damaged.

At least 1,144 residents of Mataram and other places on Lombok island fled their homes for safety. (jun)